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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why do the Durrell's want to leave the hotel as soon as possible?

2. What does Roger do with the pebbles Gerry found in the sand?

3. What does spring mean for Leslie?

4. What size of tortoise are on the hill?

5. What illness does Leslie suffer from in the English weather?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Gerry and Mother's opinions regarding the pace for eating breakfast differ?

2. Gerry ponders what insect movements, on top of the trapdoor, must sound like to a trapdoor spider. What were some of his ideas?

3. How do the islanders see Spiro?

4. When George instituted outdoor lessons, what game did he and Gerry play in the bay, and how did this further his learning?

5. How does Gerry come to the conclusion to visit Yani after his swim?

6. How does Margo act as a hypochondriac in Part I: Chapter 1, The Unsuspected Isle?

7. What bonding event do Gerry and Leslie share? Why do you think this is appealing to Gerry?

8. How were Lugaretzia and her husband like the Daffodil-Yellow Villa, and why were they there?

9. How are the trapdoor spiders and Dr. Theodore Stephanides two significant finds for Gerry?

10. What did Gerry think about his family's contribution to the book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dr. Theodore Stephanides is socially awkward, especially with greeting people and then parting ways. Discuss your theory as to why he has this social awkwardness.

Essay Topic 2

The Rose-Beetle Man was a very interesting character to Gerry. What was the tone in the beginning of Part I: Chapter 3, The Rose-Beetle Man with the introduction of his character? What was the tone set by the Gerry the last time he saw the Rose-Beetle Man? How does the tone differ, and how is this difference conveyed?

Essay Topic 3

Gerry's education, or lack thereof, is almost a constant consideration of Mother's and the family. Throughout the book, Gerry has several tutors, George, the Belgian consul, Peter, and Mr. Kralefsky. Compare and contrast their methods of trying to tutor Gerry. How did Gerry teach them?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 765 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample